The Dallas Mavericks have 15 guys in training camp with guaranteed contracts (20 players total). Like many teams, the Mavericks would ideally like to carry 14 or so on the roster, to provide flexibility for potential trades down the line (or to pick up a free agent in case of injury).
So, they are looking at trades to clear out some roster spots, according to Marc Spears of Yahoo Sports.
James can’t be traded until Dec. 15, but it’s worth exploring his value. Both players likely would be moved for just a future second round pick or player who could be cut.
James is a great story, having served his nation for six years in the Air Force before playing at Florida State (which is why he is age 29 and entering his third NBA season. He blocks shots, works hard on the defensive end and will grab boards, but he doesn’t bring much of anything on the offensive side of the ball. He could serve in a role as a third center on a team.
With so many point guards on the Dallas roster (Jameer Nelson, Devin Harris, Raymond Felton) Mekel will be pretty much forced out of a role. The Israeli product who played professionally in that country knows how to run a team, knows how to distribute the ball, but he struggled in the NBA with his own shot (he had a true shooting percentage of just .400, he shot 25 percent from three and struggled with any shot not at the rim).